Westin Gaslamp Quarter (was Westin Horton Plaza) San Diego, CA [Master Thread]
Jul 24, 2002, 12:45 pm
#76
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
PremEx, I couldn't agree more with your assessment. Why even make it an issue to begin with? A simple, "I'm sorry; we don't have an executive level to offer you" would have sufficed. If the issue about breakfast was pressed further, it could have been explained that breakfast is not a benefit for Starwood Preferred Guest members.
Regrettably, some folks are not endowed with a "first, do no harm" attitude, and apparently some of them work in our hotels.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 07-24-2002).]
Regrettably, some folks are not endowed with a "first, do no harm" attitude, and apparently some of them work in our hotels.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 07-24-2002).]
Jul 24, 2002, 3:23 pm
#77
Join Date: May 2001
Location: San José, California
Posts: 792
No problem. I've found a better hotel here in San Diego anyways 
By the way, a 20 oz. bottle of Arrowhead water is $0.89, not $4.00. Just in case you ever appear on Price is Right, it might help you win a new car
By the way, a 20 oz. bottle of Arrowhead water is $0.89, not $4.00.
Just in case you ever appear on Price is Right, it might help you win a new car
Jul 24, 2002, 4:13 pm
#78
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Programs: AA PLT, SPG GLD, PC PLT SPIRE
Posts: 4,531
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by juanvaldez:
...By the way, a 20 oz. bottle of Arrowhead water is $0.89, not $4.00. Just in case you ever appear on Price is Right, it might help you win a new car </font>
...By the way, a 20 oz. bottle of Arrowhead water is $0.89, not $4.00.
Just in case you ever appear on Price is Right, it might help you win a new car </font>
Oct 6, 2002, 4:31 am
#79
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Programs: Marriott Gold, IHG Elite KLM Flying Blue,
Posts: 519
Just yesterday evening I have booked the Sheraton Suites San Diego, and compared it with the other *wood hotels. Seems to be centrally located with a good price.
Can you give me info wich *wood hotel is nice to stay in (December/January)
Can you give me info wich *wood hotel is nice to stay in (December/January)
Jun 26, 2004, 12:15 am
#80
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 137
Westin Horton Plaza - San Diego
I am writing from te Senator Suite at the Westin Horton Plaza in San Diego, also know as room #1623. I have to say that this is one of the best suites that I have ever received from Starwood. Based on the fire map this suite is the same size as the Presidential suite so is very close to te Best room in the hotel. As you enter through double mahogany doors after the entry way and half bath there is a "kitchenish" area with mini fridge and dining room to the left and huge two story living room with a flat screen plasma TV, fireplace, desk, couch, 4 chairs, and enormous 2 story windows. Upstairs There is a larger thannormal bedroom area with King bed, chest of drawers, chaise lounge, 2 closets, and a fireplace. The Bathroom is huge with marble everywhere it has an enormous whirlpool, separate tilet, separate shower, robes, lots of amenities, scale, and huge fresh flower arangement that has changed each day! The staff has been very attentive down to filling the ce bucket and bringing chocolate and surprisingly beautiful peaches when they come by in the evening. Overall this has been a wonderful stay and I have to say that some of the older reports that I read about this hotel may need t be revised. I read one review from a few years ago on the Americas cup room and although it is still listed on the fire map when I walked the hall I noticed it had been renamed the Admiral's Suite and I am sure has been updated nicely since the last review. I also saw a basic room that a friend was staying in and I would describe it as a standard Westin room Dark woods and white a little moder yet oh so heavenly. It even had the heavenly bathrooms with double shower heads and curved rod so I think that if this room (no status and cheap rate) was updated the whole hotel has been updated. Not having stayed at the W I have no basis of comparison, but since no one has given a thorough review in a while I decided it was about time and I would recommend it completely based on our experience! ^
Sep 18, 2004, 10:40 pm
#81
Join Date: Sep 2004
Programs: SPG - Platinum , CO - Silver, SWA - Companion Pass
Posts: 4
I am currently writing from the Presidential Suite at the Westin Horton Plaza in San Diego, also know as room #1613. It is the best room in the house. Starwood absolutely rocks!
Originally Posted by phoney
I am writing from te Senator Suite at the Westin Horton Plaza in San Diego, also know as room #1623. I have to say that this is one of the best suites that I have ever received from Starwood. Based on the fire map this suite is the same size as the Presidential suite so is very close to te Best room in the hotel. As you enter through double mahogany doors after the entry way and half bath there is a "kitchenish" area with mini fridge and dining room to the left and huge two story living room with a flat screen plasma TV, fireplace, desk, couch, 4 chairs, and enormous 2 story windows. Upstairs There is a larger thannormal bedroom area with King bed, chest of drawers, chaise lounge, 2 closets, and a fireplace. The Bathroom is huge with marble everywhere it has an enormous whirlpool, separate tilet, separate shower, robes, lots of amenities, scale, and huge fresh flower arangement that has changed each day! The staff has been very attentive down to filling the ce bucket and bringing chocolate and surprisingly beautiful peaches when they come by in the evening. Overall this has been a wonderful stay and I have to say that some of the older reports that I read about this hotel may need t be revised. I read one review from a few years ago on the Americas cup room and although it is still listed on the fire map when I walked the hall I noticed it had been renamed the Admiral's Suite and I am sure has been updated nicely since the last review. I also saw a basic room that a friend was staying in and I would describe it as a standard Westin room Dark woods and white a little moder yet oh so heavenly. It even had the heavenly bathrooms with double shower heads and curved rod so I think that if this room (no status and cheap rate) was updated the whole hotel has been updated. Not having stayed at the W I have no basis of comparison, but since no one has given a thorough review in a while I decided it was about time and I would recommend it completely based on our experience! ^
Feb 19, 2005, 7:54 am
#82
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,735
Westin Horton Plaza, San Diego - Trip Report
I managed to get two midweek nights at this hotel via Priceline for $75/night.
This hotel has a GREAT location; just $10 in a cab from the airport, in the Horton Plaza Shopping Complex (J Crew, Banana Republic etc), and adjacent to the restaurants, theatres and atmosphere of the Gaslamp Quarter.
My third Westin stay, I was consistently impressed enough by the Heavenly Bed to finally decide to purchase one for my own home - I never want to get out of those beds and a good night's sleep is the best feature of this chain.
Check in was exemplary; Victoria really made me feel welcome, even as a priceline customer, thanking me for being a Starwood Gold Preferred Member, giving me a macy's 12% off coupon with my key, and upgrading me to the 16th (top) floor and a great bay view without prompting. Rooms were obviously recently refurbished.
Benefits seemed to be complimentary bottle of water, free newspapers. The substantial chocolate bars at turndown were particularly yummy, though these may be standard throughout the hotel.
On my second day my room was still uncleaned at 3pm when I returned briefly; however I think all hotels have to schedule maid service between 9am and 4pm otherwise we would all have to be up and out by 7am in order to get round all the rooms, so this was a non-issue for me.
There was construction work which on check in (at 2pm) was quite apparent as a regular, dull thud (concrete being pumped upstairs apparently) but I was assured the high floor would mean I would not be affected by this, and I did not notice any noise throughout my stay.
I opted for the $16/day internet package which gives T-1 hi speed wired access in your room (wireless is available in the common areas) as well as free domestic long distance; great value for calling home! I also earned Starwood Points on the extras billed to my room, even if Priceline does not qualify for Preferred Guest StarPoints.
The pool was great, if a tad small for laps, but ideal for sunbathing if you are fortunate to get a sunny day. Gym has great machines and cool large individual screens on the cardio equipment. Impressive by any standard.
A gripe I have about the heavenly baths, as one who actually prefers a bath to a shower, is that the plugs are not watertight and have a tendency to leak, necessitating refilling the bath mid soak; plenty of piping hot water here so not too much of a hassle though.
Room was on the sizeable side, with two queen beds. Starbucks coffee filter packs in the room and wide range of minibar options.
So all is great and up to par in the Westin tradition so far. Why only an "above average" rating and not "excellent"?
Well, I think there are two shortcomings.
First, parking. Other reviews have stated concerns about ACE parking; I have to say they were very courteous and helpful to me, but I did notice most times an impatient line waiting for cars to be brought round. I said I was leaving early and they left mine in the few spaces outside the front door.
Everywhere in San Diego is expensive to park, so the $25 fee per night (with unlimited in and out priviliges) is the going rate, but I did feel aggressively pressured into tipping by ACE (having tipped the doorman $5 for walking me to my car in the rain, the ACE guy wanted something for opening the door, which was a little cheeky in my opinion). I was also billed twice for the parking fee, which was fixed no problems at check out.
You can get three hours validated free parking in the Horton Plaza car park, with purchase. There do not appear to be any nearby alternatives that are appreciably less expensive, though other reviewers might usefully look into this further.
Second, breakfast and late night room service. Coming back at midnight from a meeting I was hungry, but found a very limited menu available after 11.30pm.
However, I was most disappointed by the Breakfast downstairs. For $18 there is a competent but unoriginal full and continental breakfast served in a stark, black and white tiled cluttered room which has an echoing vault like quality and bright lighting; not the most relaxing place to start your day. Scrambled eggs were average and sausages not of the highest quality. OJ was not serve yourself; just one glass was offered by the waitress. I suggest you check out the Eggs Benedict over the road at the Cafe St Tropez, which were delicious in a casual, naturally lit atmosphere.
On a more positive note, I had a morning walk to check out the mini Museum Of Contemporary Art near the tram station, and also the old ships of Maritime Museum on the bay, just ten minutes from your room.
Victoria once again surpassed expectations on check out, and made me feel I was a valued customer and would definitely return to this hotel, but avoiding breakfast and relying on cabs to get me round town to avoid ACE's fees.
This hotel has a GREAT location; just $10 in a cab from the airport, in the Horton Plaza Shopping Complex (J Crew, Banana Republic etc), and adjacent to the restaurants, theatres and atmosphere of the Gaslamp Quarter.
My third Westin stay, I was consistently impressed enough by the Heavenly Bed to finally decide to purchase one for my own home - I never want to get out of those beds and a good night's sleep is the best feature of this chain.
Check in was exemplary; Victoria really made me feel welcome, even as a priceline customer, thanking me for being a Starwood Gold Preferred Member, giving me a macy's 12% off coupon with my key, and upgrading me to the 16th (top) floor and a great bay view without prompting. Rooms were obviously recently refurbished.
Benefits seemed to be complimentary bottle of water, free newspapers. The substantial chocolate bars at turndown were particularly yummy, though these may be standard throughout the hotel.
On my second day my room was still uncleaned at 3pm when I returned briefly; however I think all hotels have to schedule maid service between 9am and 4pm otherwise we would all have to be up and out by 7am in order to get round all the rooms, so this was a non-issue for me.
There was construction work which on check in (at 2pm) was quite apparent as a regular, dull thud (concrete being pumped upstairs apparently) but I was assured the high floor would mean I would not be affected by this, and I did not notice any noise throughout my stay.
I opted for the $16/day internet package which gives T-1 hi speed wired access in your room (wireless is available in the common areas) as well as free domestic long distance; great value for calling home! I also earned Starwood Points on the extras billed to my room, even if Priceline does not qualify for Preferred Guest StarPoints.
The pool was great, if a tad small for laps, but ideal for sunbathing if you are fortunate to get a sunny day. Gym has great machines and cool large individual screens on the cardio equipment. Impressive by any standard.
A gripe I have about the heavenly baths, as one who actually prefers a bath to a shower, is that the plugs are not watertight and have a tendency to leak, necessitating refilling the bath mid soak; plenty of piping hot water here so not too much of a hassle though.
Room was on the sizeable side, with two queen beds. Starbucks coffee filter packs in the room and wide range of minibar options.
So all is great and up to par in the Westin tradition so far. Why only an "above average" rating and not "excellent"?
Well, I think there are two shortcomings.
First, parking. Other reviews have stated concerns about ACE parking; I have to say they were very courteous and helpful to me, but I did notice most times an impatient line waiting for cars to be brought round. I said I was leaving early and they left mine in the few spaces outside the front door.
Everywhere in San Diego is expensive to park, so the $25 fee per night (with unlimited in and out priviliges) is the going rate, but I did feel aggressively pressured into tipping by ACE (having tipped the doorman $5 for walking me to my car in the rain, the ACE guy wanted something for opening the door, which was a little cheeky in my opinion). I was also billed twice for the parking fee, which was fixed no problems at check out.
You can get three hours validated free parking in the Horton Plaza car park, with purchase. There do not appear to be any nearby alternatives that are appreciably less expensive, though other reviewers might usefully look into this further.
Second, breakfast and late night room service. Coming back at midnight from a meeting I was hungry, but found a very limited menu available after 11.30pm.
However, I was most disappointed by the Breakfast downstairs. For $18 there is a competent but unoriginal full and continental breakfast served in a stark, black and white tiled cluttered room which has an echoing vault like quality and bright lighting; not the most relaxing place to start your day. Scrambled eggs were average and sausages not of the highest quality. OJ was not serve yourself; just one glass was offered by the waitress. I suggest you check out the Eggs Benedict over the road at the Cafe St Tropez, which were delicious in a casual, naturally lit atmosphere.
On a more positive note, I had a morning walk to check out the mini Museum Of Contemporary Art near the tram station, and also the old ships of Maritime Museum on the bay, just ten minutes from your room.
Victoria once again surpassed expectations on check out, and made me feel I was a valued customer and would definitely return to this hotel, but avoiding breakfast and relying on cabs to get me round town to avoid ACE's fees.
Feb 19, 2005, 10:07 pm
#83
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, UA Silver, HHDmd, MBvLTPLT, PCAmb/Dmd, HYT Dis
Posts: 1,579
Wish I had had Victoria check me in. I found myself in San Diego many times this year for conferences at the convention center. All the conferences use the hotels next door (Hyatt, Marriott, ES, etc), but I went out of my way on the first trip to stay here because of SPG. I arrived late at night - so it was the night staff -- but I received no welcome or upgrade on getting there. Stopped by the next day and did ask if there was anything special for Platinums -- they did take down my Platinum amenity choice and gave me the mall coupon book, but never questioned why I was stopping by to ask about it. So they lost my business to the Grand Hyatt for the rest of my stays. The hotel is fine -- but I need that extra treatment to do the extra walks back and forth from the convention center.
Also second the few options for late night food comment. There is a lot around the hotel during the day, but if you are coming back at after 11 you better bring something back with you.
Also second the few options for late night food comment. There is a lot around the hotel during the day, but if you are coming back at after 11 you better bring something back with you.
Last edited by dbuckho; Feb 19, 2005 at 10:13 pm
Feb 20, 2005, 9:59 am
#84
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Programs: Bonvoy LTT, Hyatt Exp, AA 1MM, UA Silver, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 970
I stayed here valentine's weekend on an award stay (snuck in at 7k point before the increase), and it was decent.
Checked in around 4pm on Friday. 3 people working the front desk, including one at the SPG line. No wait at the normal line, so I went there. Was informed that I had been upgraded to a "deluxe" room (never did ask what was deluxe about it), but it was not ready, so was given a choice of waiting for it to be cleaned, or taking a double room. I wasn't happy with either choice, so the person at the next station (manager?) popped over and magically found a room. Not sure if I gave up a better room by not waiting, but was given a king NS on the 15th (out of 16) floor. Floor was labeld SPG floor, and the elevator voice-over called it a "premiere" floor. The view was overlooking Horton Plaza/hotel entrance; I have to admit, I was hoping for a water view.
The room was a decent size, with a desk and one of those half-couches (no arm on one end). Bathroom was good sized too, although the door was a slider rather than on a hinge. Noise wasn't a factor at all, either from outside or from the hallway, except for the first evening when a neighbor was watching the news at high volume.
In-room, there was a free bottle of Panna water. Once consumed, it was not replaced. A good variety of in-room reading material about the area, including San Diego magazine. Good selection of TV stations, not the normal 10-12 that I'm used to.
We valet parked, and it sounds like we had similar experiences to others. When it was time to check out, I called down as asked that my car be pulled. 20 minutes later, I went down to get the car, and the valet said they probably hadn't gotten the message yet, so it took another 10 mins. When the brought the car up, they didn't even look for me; just parked it, and dropped the keys at the valet desk.
For "wow" factor, the W is a no-brainer over the Westin, but for the then-lower redemption cost for a free night, I was happy with my choice.
Checked in around 4pm on Friday. 3 people working the front desk, including one at the SPG line. No wait at the normal line, so I went there. Was informed that I had been upgraded to a "deluxe" room (never did ask what was deluxe about it), but it was not ready, so was given a choice of waiting for it to be cleaned, or taking a double room. I wasn't happy with either choice, so the person at the next station (manager?) popped over and magically found a room. Not sure if I gave up a better room by not waiting, but was given a king NS on the 15th (out of 16) floor. Floor was labeld SPG floor, and the elevator voice-over called it a "premiere" floor. The view was overlooking Horton Plaza/hotel entrance; I have to admit, I was hoping for a water view.
The room was a decent size, with a desk and one of those half-couches (no arm on one end). Bathroom was good sized too, although the door was a slider rather than on a hinge. Noise wasn't a factor at all, either from outside or from the hallway, except for the first evening when a neighbor was watching the news at high volume.
In-room, there was a free bottle of Panna water. Once consumed, it was not replaced. A good variety of in-room reading material about the area, including San Diego magazine. Good selection of TV stations, not the normal 10-12 that I'm used to.
We valet parked, and it sounds like we had similar experiences to others. When it was time to check out, I called down as asked that my car be pulled. 20 minutes later, I went down to get the car, and the valet said they probably hadn't gotten the message yet, so it took another 10 mins. When the brought the car up, they didn't even look for me; just parked it, and dropped the keys at the valet desk.
For "wow" factor, the W is a no-brainer over the Westin, but for the then-lower redemption cost for a free night, I was happy with my choice.
Mar 22, 2005, 1:55 pm
#85
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: LGB-BUR-LAX-ONT (in order of preference!)
Posts: 429
Westin Horton Plaza - triple point promo problem
I recently got an email claiming that I can get triple Starpoints for staying at the Westin Horton Plaza in San Diego (starwoodspecialoffers.com/westinsandiego). I tried to change an existing reservation there to match the promo code (TRIPL1). I called the Plat line and I was transferred to the web department after being on the phone for a good fifteen minutes between two agents. The web dept told me that I had to rebook a room online with the code. Frustrated (because my existing reservation was $40 cheaper than a new room reservation), I booked a new room with the promo code. when I got to the reservation confirmation page, I didn't see that the promo code was on the reservation. Moreover, when I called to verify the promo and I even directed the agent on the phone to the website, he couldn't figure out why it wasn't showing up on my confirmation either. He pulled up my old and new reservations and he said that they looked identical except for the rate. Neither reservation reflected triple points. He did say that he would notate our conversation regarding the triple starpoints in the comments field of my reservation and if I have any problems after the fact, I should be covered. His supervisor was consulted throughout the call so I feel reasonably certain that I am good to receive the points. I also printed out the the website page and the T&C to which all of my reservations do comply.
Have I covered enough of my bases? Is there anything else that I should have done since I have no other record, nor any confirmation, of my triple points reservation?
Have I covered enough of my bases? Is there anything else that I should have done since I have no other record, nor any confirmation, of my triple points reservation?
Mar 22, 2005, 2:28 pm
#86
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 544
$40 a night is a lot more money to spend for triple points. I don't think I would have spent the money but that's just me.
I would actually just try to book another reservation again to see if it "Trip1" code appears on your confirmation. Most reservations can be canceled within 24 hours so you've nothing to lose.
Do make sure you keep a printout of your old reservation as I think anyone at Starwood looking at the difference in rates will be confident that you definitely did make a new reservation under this promo. Who else would book another reservation for $40 a night more when they have a much lower rate? Starwood has always been very responsive when I've had an issue with Starpoints so I don't think you'll have any issues even if you have to request this after your stay.
I would actually just try to book another reservation again to see if it "Trip1" code appears on your confirmation. Most reservations can be canceled within 24 hours so you've nothing to lose.
Do make sure you keep a printout of your old reservation as I think anyone at Starwood looking at the difference in rates will be confident that you definitely did make a new reservation under this promo. Who else would book another reservation for $40 a night more when they have a much lower rate? Starwood has always been very responsive when I've had an issue with Starpoints so I don't think you'll have any issues even if you have to request this after your stay.
May 21, 2005, 8:49 pm
#87
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: NYC
Programs: AA Exec PLT; Marriott PLAT
Posts: 1,120
emailing hotel westin horton
I'm pretty new to spg, and was wondering if anyone could help me regarding finding email addresses for hotels. I'm looking for the email for the westin-horton in san diego. I found one at the spg.com website ([email protected]) but an email I sent bounced back.
May 23, 2005, 9:54 am
#88
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Originally Posted by plat
I'm pretty new to spg, and was wondering if anyone could help me regarding finding email addresses for hotels. I'm looking for the email for the westin-horton in san diego. I found one at the spg.com website ([email protected]) but an email I sent bounced back.
Sincerely,
William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services
[email protected]
Oct 3, 2005, 8:00 am
#89
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: SEA(sia)
Posts: 5,181
I posted on the W San Diego thread enquiring what aspect of the W that gave the "wow" factor that everyone here seem to be raving about, but got no response.
I believe the Westin is in a much better location and the decor more contemporary. I am thinking of going for an award stay, but does this property deserve its Category 4 rating since its reported that one can possibly get a room here on priceline for only USD75.
Or should I save 3,000 points and stay at the Sheraton Suites (Category 3) which I believe comp breakfast for Plats ?
I believe the Westin is in a much better location and the decor more contemporary. I am thinking of going for an award stay, but does this property deserve its Category 4 rating since its reported that one can possibly get a room here on priceline for only USD75.
Or should I save 3,000 points and stay at the Sheraton Suites (Category 3) which I believe comp breakfast for Plats ?
Oct 4, 2005, 10:46 pm
#90
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SAN (at least currently)
Programs: NWA, SPG
Posts: 242
Wow, that's an amazing rate for any hotel in San Diego, much less that property, nice find... I may start hitting priceline more often. I'm suprised about the complaints of lack of eating places, you are 1 block from the center of the gaslamp, tons of eating places, and chic bars.
As for the W in san diego... It does have a cool bar on the roof with sand on the floor. Location could be better... OTOH you are square between the gaslamp, little italy, and the marina, alot to see with a short walk in 3 directions, but nothing immediately there.
As for the W in san diego... It does have a cool bar on the roof with sand on the floor. Location could be better... OTOH you are square between the gaslamp, little italy, and the marina, alot to see with a short walk in 3 directions, but nothing immediately there.